MADISON (AP) – Democrat Pat Bomhack, of Spring Green, is dropping out of what would have been a competitive state Assembly race to instead run for the state Senate seat being vacated by retiring Republican Sen. Dale Schultz.

Bomhack announced his candidacy for the southwestern Wisconsin seat on Wednesday. Many had suspected that the former legislative staffer to former Democratic U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold may get into the Senate race.

His decision leaves well-known farmer Dick Cates as the only Democrat running in the 51st Assembly District. Republican Howard Marklein is running for the state Senate instead of seeking re-election to that Assembly seat.

Marklein is unopposed in the Republican primary for the 17th District state Senate seat.

Bomhack will face former state Department of Transportation official Ernie Wittwer in the Democratic primary.